Monday, June 4, 2012

Step 19 - Closing Exterior Openings

The Bungalow - Before

After I button-up things on the roof, address any structural issues, and make certain the foundation is good to go, I start dealing with the exterior doors and windows.

Some fascia work is complete, but still a long way to go.
I never lose sight of the need for having scopes of work ready indoors and out.  That way I can keep making some sort of progress regardless of what Mother Nature is doing.  For example, if I'm working outside and it starts to rain, I always have something set-up and ready to do inside so I can keep cruising.  The windows and exterior door work are a key to being in this position because they impact the renovation on both sides of the perimeter walls. 

Exterior trim & siding work were on hold until Step 14 was done.
This condition of being prepared/ready also applies to being able to work on the interior when it's dark outside.  If my schedule allows me to be working until ten or eleven at night, I may push ahead outside until I have to scoot inside to work in front of the lights.  Again, being finished with Step 14 makes this possible.  I can always set up my lighting on the outside, but unless I have a looming deadline I'd rather not drag the lighting equipment outdoors for just two or three hours if I can avoid it.

In actuality, Steps 15 (Non-Structural Framing) and 16 (The Exterior Façade) can be worked simultaneously once the exterior doors and windows are in.  In addition, keep in mind that Step 14 may include some rough framing if new openings are created for a door or window.  However, this work is just about getting new doors and windows installed where they belong; painting them comes later in the finishing stages of the project.

So, after the foundation, structural work, and roofing are finished (Step 13), focus on the things that the interior and exterior activities have in common; the windows and the doors leading to the outside.       

The Bungalow - After
See related post The Bungalow.

7 comments:

  1. oh that looks great!
    Question about windows -- Do you buy brand new ones and install them yourself? I was thinking of cruising the habitat for humanity ReStore because they always have tons of windows...and maybe collecting what I want to use and then installing them myself.

    I'm wondering if this is feasible...or if I have to buy new windows with those J hook edge thingies. I'm installing Hardiplank though, so maybe not? I have a million questions. I'm going to feature your blog soon on mine, Get ready. lol

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  2. Good question. Except for a few stained glass windows, I always install new windows. The main reason for this is because all of my projects have been in Atlantic coastal zones. Hurr. Andrew and Hugo changed building standards for the Southeast. Building officials and codes call for me to install hurricane rated windows.

    New vinyl windows are designed for the siding to terminate into them (like J channel). This is a built-in feature, but even if your windows have traditional brick mold trim, you'll be able to end the hardiplank right against that and after caulking and painting, it will look the same.

    Thanks for asking this question, Katy.

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  3. Okay, are the windows sold at HD and Lowe's hurricane rated? Is that something that will be plainly noted on the spec sheet for the window? I am assuming this is a standard and not hard to find.

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  4. Yes, yes, & yes. There will be a sticker/tag with ratings the code enforcer will be expecting to see. If you buy/order new windows from a company in the coastal region. (HD, Lowe's, a large building supply co.), you'll be fine.

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  5. Also, back to your original question, Katy. When renovating, I typically do the windows myself. However, in new constr. it's different. This will be part of the framing crew's work along with setting the ext. doors (but not gar. doors). I might help sched. and coord. a delivery, but installation will be done by the contractor who has agreed to get me 'dried-in.'

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  6. You did a pretty good job on the renovation. Looking at the before and after pictures, I can say that there have been a lot of improvement. All the colors and hues matched up really well. The white windows look elegant too. They complement the overall look of the structure.

    (Kip Whitehead )

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    1. Thanks Kip. When it comes to colors I always ask the women close to me for input; wife, Mother, sister, RE agent, etc. This has worked well for me over the years. I'll take a little credit for the end result, but I ask and listen to the ladies & move ahead from there.

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